IAX: Independent Associations Championship 10 [EVERYTHING]

[Tequilo]

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CITY of FOOTBALL
2. Cash To Burn

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Quezaldad district, in the sprawling city of Tapalupé: A huge demolition & building site, 2.5 square kilometres of prime football development location including the brand new national stadium. Forty pitches of various sizes and surfaces, high-tech training facilities, a sports science centre, a coach academy, hotels, sports-themed shopping, rehab centres… this is the modernisation of football in Tequilo with a masterplan to dominate multiversal football. But who is funding this masterplan? Who is the mastermind behind the masterplan? What will happen when the masterplan is accomplished? What about all the people living in Quezaldad’s 2.5 square kilometres of rubble - where are they now and what do they think? Speaking of rubble, what about the rumours about… things… unearthed during the demolition phase? So many questions, so little time - in this episode (because this is an episodic piece) we look at the funders behind the new Liga-TQ, the new national team initiatives, the City of Football, the national stadium… and ask ourselves - are we dealing with the devil(s) here?

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CASH TO BURN

It’s an old saying in Tequilo - understand the sequence of the resplendent jackdaw in flight, and you will come to anticipate the order of movements that divine the hiding place of the secret and elusive rattleworm. Often that is abbreviated to the more pragmatic but less whimsical ‘follow the money’.

Who is funding Señor Lepe’s grand scheme to dominate world football, and why? Answer the first part of that question, and you can pretty quickly surmise the latter. It may surprise, and it may come to worry you, when you know. But you need to know, if you are a good honest Tequiloan with a healthy distrust of the mischievous spirits of Confusiónism. Uncanny business is afoot. At first glance, you may not think so. You’ll be saying, it’s this huge broadcast TV deal, right? Yes. It is partly that - Satélite Boldsport, a foreign media company with preposterously deep pockets, has paid enough money down to invest heavily in the modern commercial enterprise of Liga-TQ, and the rest will follow off the back of that. But wait, Satélite who? Isn’t that name familiar? Boldsport? And no, it’s not another Havynwilde duplication service. Boldsport is the money that funded Bonesea’s rise to (almost) the top of world football. Ok, so that’s no big deal for a big deal is it? Media corporation funds football league?

Well - then there is the contract to build the City of Football. That went to Heavy Products, and they are based in Taxhavn. Which used to be in Rushmore, a hundred years ago, until the nation was forcibly exiled during one of those dubious Maxtopian Z-Day apocalyptic crashes. That happened about the same time as the poor residents of The Septen Islands were forcibly removed from Ao during the same multiversal crisis. And Banque Sept-Nat, which is the principal financial partner in the construction, was of course founded as the national bank of the Septen Islands, with it’s central reserve held in Taxhavn. Then there was a third forced ethnic cleansing during the Z-Day land grab: the Wightlings, forced from Ao along with their Septen neighbours and sent to the Rejected Realms. It was the Wightlings who rose to power in world football funded by their mysterious Oroboros Cooperative, a syndicate of murky finances that had previously been linked to both the rise and fall of our near neighbours and good friends in Tamarindia - a nation that also started to look like it might become a power until… The Fall. Sponsored, allegedly, by the Oroboros Cooperative. And when Wight fell, and Taxhavn, and Bonesea, like dominoes - the OC was there, and remains there.

The Oroboros Cooperative - a shadowy Wightling syndicate funding power surges, collapses and restorations since way back when, and - get this - the majority stakeholders in a wide range of syndicates including, amongst others, Boldsport, Heavy Products, Banque Sept-Nat, and Grupo Taxhavn. At the bottom of all this cash to burn, is a dark, dangerous wight with a match and a can of chlorine trifluoride, The Oroboros Cooperative. What are they up to? Who can understand the Wightling Agenda? But whatever it is, nations that take the Oroboros doubloon tend not to last long enough to find out. Will Tequilo be next to suffer a Catastrophic Termination Event?

§

In the next episode - we love Señor Lepe, and El Cháman Pablo Invocador - they want great things for our national game. But who is the real power behind these grand designs… who exactly is Dik ten Beuenk, the ‘football genius’ who came out of nowhere - well, Mustardy - and suddenly has unveiled a strategy that the UPT seems to have mortgaged it’s soul for?

TAPALUPÉ, Tequilo - So much football, so little time… don’t worry, when you don’t have time for the big read (and we don’t have time for the big write) let the GOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL-a!!! Daily take the strain - all your analysis, in numbers, with our unique and exclusive Copametro…

MEDAL PINS ONE ON STUNNED FORMER CHAMPION
HUElavia 0-1 Tequilo HT: 0-0

Location: Stadium of the Occident, Westhaven, West Calaverde
Attendance: 47,991 locals & Huelavios, with the Tequiloan Ultra-Mariachis (8 sombreros+dog)

Scorers: Medal 90+1’
Booked: Fernandez, Amaru, Hamada | Bertendona, Caira

Tequilo Player Ratings: Fiallo [8.1] Bertendona [8.3] (sub: Cañaverri [7.2]) Kanyinda [8.8] Chicote [7.0] Caira [9.7] (sub: Morterero [7.7]) Alemán [8.5] (sub: Vergara [9.0]) Medal [8.2] Lucio [8.0] Vale [7.7] Ecuador [9.7] Colon [9.0]
Player of the Match: Camilo Caira (Tequilo)

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A hard-working defensive display against the former champions of the Independent Associations earned a massive reward for the Agave-Blues in West Calaverde on Tuesday, with a deadly counter at the end of the match giving Martín Colon a strike at goal, parried by keeper Ana Vallares and finished by captain fantastic Xaime Medal, keeping his head to win the game with virtually the last kick of the match. The win puts Tequilo in the driving seat with one more win needed to secure a passage to the next phase.

For the coming potential decider against Natanya, where a win will put Tequilo into the knockout round, first choice keeper Tepin Mecatl-Rubio returns between the sticks, while Enzo Morterero replaces injured centre-back Camilo Caira who faces missing the rest of the tournament. Coach Luca Entenza rests Tomás Aléman, Milan Lucio and captain Xaime Medal from the midfield, shuffling his pack with Noah Vergara, Xecotcovach and Cio Çenturion as replacements; while up front Ito also returns in place of Firmino Vale. The highly impressive Ecuador wins the captain’s armband in Medal’s place for this match.

Starting Line-Up for TEQUILO vs. Natanya:
Tepin Mecatl-Rubio | Ostando Bertendona, Ephraïm Kanyinda, Tol Chicote, Enzo Morterero | Noah Vergara | Cio Çenturion , Xecotcovach, Martín Colon | Ito & Ecuador (Capitan)

Vevnue: Stadium of the Occident, Westhaven, Republic of West Calaverde

[Trolleborg]

Greetings, compatriots! It's TTV from Omerica.

We all waited for the third day of IAC, of course, with some worry. Trying to energize the team, the fans at the stadium, when the players appeared from the tunnel, raised the painted cardboard boxes above their heads, which formed the inscription “Forward, guys!” on the opposite stand. Then they sent across the giant crowd surf flag, as they did at the memorable and victorious for us Baptism of Fire tournament. From a distance, the "Green Corner" looked like an army preparing for battle under fluttering banners.

Oddly enough, the head coach left Klemens Gould at the gate, apparently wanting to give him a chance to rehabilitate himself for a far from brilliant game in the first match, and three of the four players from the nearest reserve who played then again being entrusted a place at the lineup.

With the referee's starting whistle, our guys rushed to prove that it was too early to write them off, moved aggressively to intercept the ball, and put pressure on the Nacrad players, and they did it well. The game was played almost all the time in the opponents' half of the field, already in the first minutes Kerr could open a score, cunningly sneaking past the defenders who rushed towards him, but the ball flew a few centimeters past the goal. On the 22nd minute, Troll make a curved shot from free-kick, but the opponents' goalkeeper rescued his teammates by deflecting ball and covering it right on the line. Finally, half an hour after the start of the game, Troll, in a seemingly completely harmless situation, cleverly used his possession of the ball, gently passing it to the Levenrkrans on the move, who make a cross towards the net, where whole affair was summed up by the deftly Kerr.

Just before the break, the players from Nacrad could have make the score even, our defenders did not properly figure out who of them cover whom and the opponents' forward make a dangerous shot, Gould did not even have time to jump, but the ball flew past the goal.

In the second half, the game went about the same scenario, with Nacrad did not press, preferring to hold on to his goal and respond with counterattacks on occasion. Describes how dangerous they were, the fact that Laaste had to be replaced, so exhausted he looked due to the need constantly helping his defenders. A rearrangement was made also in front, Severin, somewhat lost on the field, was replaced by Gulbranden, who immediately began to ram the defensive orders and create chaos in the opponents' penalty area. Right after entering the field, he pulled two defenders onto himself and beautifully moved the ball under Kerr's shot, but the goalkeeper miraculously deflected the powerful blow from twelve meters. Finally, in the middle of the second half, Finnsnes made an excellent pass forward, Gulbranden was already rushing at him, but Kerr was more agile, jumped one on one with the goalkeeper and shot confidently.

Along with the joyous cry of "Gooool!" I seemed to hear a multiple sigh of relief. Our fans spent the rest of the game on their feet anyway, regularly launched a wave, and the locals also gladly joined it. The team confidently brought the match to victory, 2:0, and now they have to demonstrate that it was not an accident, in matches with two strong opponents who certainly need victories.

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

Squornshelan Remnant States dressing room, following Matchday 2 . . .

Anyone observing the room would have remarked on the quiet. It wasn't a silent room. There was the clack of cleats on the floor and a few quiet words exchanged, but no music, no laughter or raucous conversation. The team, for the most part, was sitting or standing silently at their lockers. There would be no doubt in the observer's mind how things had gone for them today. The air had gone right out of this team.

"Is this it then? Are these the real Black-and-Reds?" Groothuis's question was clearly rhetorical, so the lack of an answer wasn't unusual, but she hardly drew even a glance from her team. "You face a little bit of adversity and you collapse into depression? To look around this room you'd think we were just eliminated." She looked around, making eye contact with a few players. Most had their heads down and, consciously or not, did not meet her gaze. "This is a point I've been working to drive home since I got here. This team needs to relearn how to win the tough matches, how to beat a team that shows up with the will to win. That's the difference you need to find if you don't want to spend your careers as perpetual also-rans." That drew more of a reaction. She had their attention now, at least.

"I look around this room and I see good players, league champions, cup champions, but all domestic. I see good players here tonight, but not a team. A team is resilient. A team comes together to do what individual players can't. Did you think that you could coast on beating Devonta? A single win over a team you were expected to beat. Is that really all it takes to make you this complacent? Good teams don't coast, they work. Some of you have been around international football for a while now. Eight year, nine for some. Do you think that means you're owed something? We were outworked today. They worked harder before the match, they worked harder during the match, and they deserve all three points. We don't, and if we don't do something to change that by the time we kick off against the Calculator, we're going to prove a lot of naysayers right."

She finally had everyone's attention. This team needed some soul searching before it could move forward from here. "Tonight, I want you all to think about why you're here. If you're just here to go through the motions and play the part of an international footballer, that's fine. We'll play our four matches and then all go home. If you came here to do whatever it takes to win, I'll meet you on the training pitch in the morning."

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A Worried Land
Salwan Mynhier, Sassari, OME

You have to credit Black-and-Reds manager Anne-Sophie Groothuis with one thing at least, after the terrible showing her team displayed against Woryand. She recognizes their shortcomings and seems ready to take action to correct them.

The Confederate national team has been hitting the training pitch hard in preparation for a matchday four showdown with the Calculator that has taken on a feeling of desperation both here in Omerica and at home. "Possession means nothing if you don't create and finish chances, and our finishing was awful yesterday." While the defense has remained relatively steady, even considering the lack of work for them as Woryand parked the bus for much of the latter stages of the match, the attack swung from its four-goal outburst against Devonta to a scoreless effort against a team playing in just its third international match. Despite the extra work now being put in by the team, the mood among confederate fans is generally pessimistic, with only 39% of Confederates now responding that they feel confident that the team will advance from the group stage, as opposed to 62% prior to the tournament, and 81% following matchday 2 against Devonta. Nearly as many are now certain the team will be eliminated at the present stage of competition. Groothuis pointed to this attitude as emblematic of the problems facing the team.

"There is a culture of defeat and pessimism here now, and I think some people are only just realizing how intensive an effort is needed to defeat that. A player who believes they cannot win is correct." For Groothuis, it seems, the answer to the dilemma is to drill the defeatism out of her team. Asked whether she has any concerns about player endurance after such an intensive training regimen, she voiced confidence both in her first team, and the depth players who might be called on if necessary. "We don't have any players here who aren't capable of doing what I've asked of them." The question remaining then, is not one that can easily be answered. Will Groothuis get the necessary buy-in from the team? It seems likely overall. Confederate players, after all, generally have a sense of team spirit and solidarity instilled in them from a young age. The younger players on the team, especially those whom Groothuis has given their first callups, are nearly certain to do what she asks. The question marks are those more established players, particularly those for whom she is now the fifth national-team manager: Krieven, Dalso, Delu, Ystrad, Ajao, Vladcik, Lomidan and Takala. A vote of confidence from those players would cement her leadership of the team absolutely.

What will come, of course, remains to be seen, and we will be on the lookout for any conspicuous absences from the first team against the Calculator. Our next opponents are coming off a fairly thorough 2-0 defeat at the hands of Kriegiersien and were also shut out in their opening match, which was another 1-0 victory for Woryand. Their players are synthetic, and their roster is illegible to laymen. While it seems improbably that they have been holding some attacking juggernaut in reserve for our match, it is beginning to seem they just like to park the bus. Based on their lack of previous international experience and fondness for conservative tactics, this should be a very similar team to Woryand (if you ignore literally everything else about them). It's a prime opportunity for the team to prove either that they've learned the lessons of their loss to Woryand, or that they never will.

Squornshelan Remnant States IAC Schedule:

MD1: BYE
MD2: SRS 4-0 USD @ Stade de la République, Romainbourg (cap. 73,000)
MD3: WOR 1-0 SRS @ Trailblazer Park, Sassari (cap. 60,000)
MD4: SRS  v  CAL @ Trailblazer Park, Sassari (cap. 60,000)
MD5: KGS  v  SRS @ Stade de la République, Romainbourg (cap. 73,000)

[Terre Septentrionale]

Première Ligue de Soccer 2026-27 season preview

Ville Jacques-Cartier, DC - A season preview in the middle of the season might be odd but here we go! Here is the Top 5 teams in the première Ligue:

1. Szczakowianka Trzebiegoszcz

The Lumberjacks are simply the best team in the nation. They only have one title but they also have 4 2nd places so they're the team with the most top 2 finishes in the Première Ligue since 2020. They have the best goalkeeper in the league, Georges-Kévin Vainqueur, and one of the best defense, which is led by Zdzislaw Brzezanczyk and 22 years old Kacper Pietrzkiewicz. Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz is one of the best midfielder in the league and the recent aquisition of Cristiano Fernando on the transfer market solidifies the team. Offensively, Zbigniew Zajaczkowski is aging and isn't on the starting XI anymore, but Sophie Kingsbury and Nicolas Nelson are pretty good too. Their only weakness would be their side midfielders. They're almost unbeatable.

2. Klub Turystow Rzodkiewnica

The Tourists have Zofia Kwietniewska in goal, which have the most caps by a goalkeeper on the national team, however she might not be called up for the World Cup 86. The rest of the team is a young team led by Karolina Zaborowska and Arkadiusz Krzykowski on defense, Roksana Kolodziejczyk in the midfield, and both Sandie McCracken and Jaroslaw Sobieszczyk in offense. They won the championship last season and hope to repeat again this year.

3. KKS Wlokniarz 1925 Krzczonow

The Onions (yes, this is their nickname) still are one of the best teams in Terre Septentrionale. They're led by Tomasz Mikolajczak in goal and Franciszek Olejniczak
in defense. 35 years old side midfielder Pawel Wawrzynkiewicz has many caps with the national team but he's now aging. Offensively they're now led by Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa and Tymoteusz Swierczewski. They're looking to win their 2nd championship since 2020

4. Dynamo de Jacques-Cartier

Les Oranges are the best team from the French speaking part of Terre Septentrionale. They too have a national team material goalkeeper in Jennifer O'Byrne. On defense they have Guillaume Casgrain and 21 years old Alexandre Massicotte, a future national team member. The team's best player is without a doubt Sandrine Fontaine, one of the best midfielder in the nation, she leads the team offensively with strikers Élisabeth Galarneau and Mikolaj Cieszkowski. They hope to win their 1st title.

5. KS Ursus Trzeszczyn

The Bears completes this top 5. in goal, Bartlomiej Kasprzak is one of the best goalkeeper in the nation and will finally make the national team instead of Zofia Kwietniewska. They have one of the best defensive brigade in the league with Franciszek Niedzwiecki, Weronika Zubrowska and the Wieszczycki brothers (Kazimierz and Grzegorz). Alicja Jedrzejczyk is one of the top midfielders in the nation, however they lack a good striker and another good midfielder. Krystyna Walczykiewicz, 21 years old, is on her way to become the striker they're looking for.

Karine Gingras,
La tribune Septentrionale

[Omerica]

Who’s gonna get lucky tonight?

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MATCHDAY FOUR CUTOFF

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The Results

Teams in red have secured advancement to the knockout stage.
Teams in grey have been eliminated from the Championship.

Group A
Hwiccemark 1–4 TJUN-ia @ Revolution Park, Falconbarrow, Strathavon
Omerica 1–1 Space @ Stade Saint-André, Brétolles, Westavon

Group A                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Omerica                        3   2  1  0    4   1  +3    7
2 Schottia                       3   2  0  1    5   3  +2    6
3 TJUN-ia                        3   2  0  1    6   3  +3    6
4 Space                          4   0  2  2    4   7  −3    2
5 Hwiccemark                     3   0  1  2    3   8  −5    1

Group B
Tequilo 5–2 Natanya @ Stadium of the Occident, Westhaven, West Calaverde
Hot Skitty on Wailord Action 1–3 HUElavia @ Seafoam Athletic Park, Saint Anne, Seafoam Islands

Group B                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Tequilo                        3   3  0  0    8   3  +5    9
2 HUElavia                       4   2  1  1    9   3  +6    7
3 Terre Septentrionale           3   2  1  0    6   4  +2    7
4 Hot Skitty on Wailord Action   3   0  0  3    2   6  −4    0
5 Natanya                        3   0  0  3    5  14  −9    0

Group C
Havynwilde 0–1 Trolleborg @ Stade Just-Cartier, Charlescourt, Charlescourt
Sharktail 0–1 New Lusitania @ Stade de l’Indépendance, Saint-Christophe, East Calaverde

Group C                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 New Lusitania                  4   4  0  0   11   2  +9   12
2 Trolleborg                     3   2  0  1    4   4   0    6
3 Nacrad                         3   1  0  2    2   5  −3    3
4 Sharktail                      3   0  1  2    1   3  −2    1
5 Havynwilde                     3   0  1  2    1   5  −4    1

Trolleborg hold head-to-head tiebreaker over Nacrad.

Group D
Gekkeom 3–1 Darkmania @ Stade Rue de la Victoire, Éternare, Alleos
Silver Beach 2–4 Drawkland @ Arena la Rouge, Port Alexandre, Mespalia

Group D                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Drawkland                      4   3  1  0   12   6  +6   10
2 Sylestone                      3   2  1  0    6   4  +2    7
3 Silver Beach                   3   1  0  2    4   6  −2    3
4 Gekkeom                        3   1  0  2    3   5  −2    3
5 Darkmania                      3   0  0  3    2   6  −4    0

Group E
Sajnur 2–4 Abanhfleft @ Stade International, Bayonnette, New Vaucluse
Squidroidia 2–1 Poafmersia @ Stade Olympique, Syracuse, South Provence

Group E                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Squidroidia                    3   2  1  0    4   2  +2    7
2 Poafmersia                     4   2  1  1    7   3  +4    7
3 Abanhfleft                     3   1  1  1    7   8  −1    4
4 Sajnur                         3   0  2  1    3   5  −2    2
5 Kayangan                       3   0  1  2    2   5  −3    1

Poafmersia cannot lose a three-way tiebreak to both Abanhfleft and Squidroidia (PFA 4–1 AFT, SQD 2–1 PFA, AFT v SQD).

Group F
Port Ember 2–1 Juvencus @ Stadium of Great Arden, Lisbon, Great Arden
Blotropolis 1–2 Kohnhead @ Londonderry Court, Londonderry, Coleraine

Group F                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Kohnhead                       4   3  1  0    8   3  +5   10
2 Port Ember                     3   2  0  1    8   7  +1    6
3 Fleuronordicia                 3   1  1  1    3   3   0    4
4 Blotropolis                    3   1  0  2    5   6  −1    3
5 Juvencus                       3   0  0  3    3   8  −5    0

Group G
Squornshelan Remnant States 5–0 The Calculator @ Trailblazer Park, Sassari, Braganza
Devonta 0–1 Woryand @ Stade de la République, Romainbourg, Romainbourg

Group G                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Woryand                        4   3  1  0    3   0  +3   10
2 Squornshelan Remnant States    3   2  0  1    9   1  +8    6
3 Kriegiersien                   3   1  1  1    2   1  +1    4
4 Devonta                        3   1  0  2    1   5  −4    3
5 The Calculator                 3   0  0  3    0   8  −8    0

Group H
Megistos 0–1 Reçueçn @ Azure Stadium, Nassau, Free State
Hopal 1–1 Indusse @ RS Amphitheatre, Port-des-Saints, Port-des-Saints

Group H                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Reçueçn                        3   2  1  0    7   1  +6    7
2 Indusse                        4   1  2  1    4   8  −4    5
3 Fujai                          3   1  1  1    2   2   0    4
4 Megistos                       3   1  1  1    1   1   0    4
5 Hopal                          3   0  1  2    1   3  −2    1

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EDIT: Adding Poafmersia’s advancement to the knockout stage.

[New Lusitania and the Algarves]

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
Sport | Football|
IA10

SPEARHEADING THE CAMPAIGN
Nacrad 1-3 New Lusitania
@Stade Just-Cartier, Charlescourt, Charlescourt (Att: 37 698)

...this is what the forwards seemed to do in this tournament. The first match had been an extremely promising start for the Lusitanians who were putting all their new ideas through their paces. André Nogueira saw a new 4-4-2 system be employed for a trial run. The CD Marítimo player had had an impressive season being at the core of their backline during one of their most successful runs. Guerra got his first chance in a competitive match as Guerreiros returned to his position. Nacrad had managed a win in their first game and during the first half of this encounter with the Selecção, they seemed to be holding pretty well during the first half. Silveira had scored his second goal following a great pass from Veiga to Open the scoring sheet on forty-two minutes of play which is a lot more than many were expecting. It had been a through-ball from the attacking midfielder who had given the optimal link to the Porto forward, who just kept it onside to score. The teams headed back into the dressing rooms with a margin that was manageable and had to be managed. The final half of this group match was soon underway and a cross from Guerra, the new winger, saw Jota take the opportunity for his goal with a decent header of the ball into the net only about ten minutes in. Silveira later went off to give room for Paciência's substitution for the final thirty. It would prove to be fruitful as a goal from him saw the result at 3-0 following an assist by the captain himself, Fernando. The end of the game saw something against the run of play - as New Lusitania started to de-escalate in the attacking front and slow pace down, fans got to see more of the Nacrad from the first match, the glimpse of brilliance restored, albeit too late. A goal just before stoppages saw a worthy consolation prize be given for what had been an interesting final moments of the match. With two from two, New Lusitania continue to lead the group, now isolated. Havynwilde got off to a one-all draw meaning they were ahead of their adversary Sharktail on games played and goal difference with Trolleborg on none due to their defeat on the first match to the Selecção and their rest on the second game. FULL TIME: 1-3


THREE GAMES PLAYED AND ANOTHER THREE GOALS SCORED...
New Lusitania 3-0 Havynwilde
@Stade Just-Cartier, Charlescourt, Charlescourt (Att: 35 242)

So far so good. This was the message back at the Selecção's training area in the South-western francophone areas of the country. Plenty of lusitanian locals and travelling fans gave their support during the groups being a nation which certainly carried it's presence. Back in the City of Charlescourt, the third match against Havynwilde, who had a game in hand. António Lopes would spend his usual game in goal that day, with Guerreiros having another start following a good game against Nacrad. Leiteiro and Pedralva completed defence, as Azinheira returned to his position, playing for the first time in the tournament. Guerra was kept for one more game with Fernando and Moreira in central-midfield alongside Gama meaning today's test was a 3-5-2 instead of the traditional 3-4-3 (3-1-3-1-2) or the 4-4-2 tactics previously seen. Jota and Silveira were starting today as usual up front.
A tranquil first half saw nothing more than a few warning shots meaning it was all left to do in the second half. As the afternoon sky turned into it's evening colours, the second half was underway. The books were finally opened when a counter-attack by Pedralva Saw the ball go down the right flank corridor all the way to the half-way line where it got passed to Moreira. His run-up and assist to Gama showed at least some of the talent hiding in some of the reserve players as the Sevilha Starter tapped the ball in. Past the hour mark and into the seventy minutes area, Fernando had a free kick opportunity and just put it over the bar - however, just a few moments later he would redeem himself with a couple of passed with Gama to see the team captain score the second with a good curved shot. The third and final goal came from Silveira. An assist from Horta, who came in during the final moments of the match, saw the ball swoop from a corner he took into the Porto striker who volleyed it in with precision. As the whistle blew, it was now three from three but many questioned if New Lusitania were already showing a bit too much - after all, tournament football usually sees the better teams pace themselves during the first phase. The Selecção however were content in this particular instant knowing they had been the first to stamp their passport into the knockouts. Trolleborg's victory to Nacrad (2-0) saw them move up to second in the group standings and with their opposition with three matches played, they were mathematically out. In fact, seven teams already knew they had little time before they said goodbye.
This was the case in Group A for example where Space only got a draw against Hwiccemark (2-2) in Strathavon meaning they'd be out but their rivals lived to fight another day with only two games played. Hosts Omerica took the day off meaning Schottia's 1-2 victory against TJUN-ia was sufficient to see them joint top, albeit behind following their loss on one of the previous days by 3-0. Group B and Tequilo caused a shock by beating HUElavia 0-1 in Westhaven thus moving up to second as Terre Septentrionale worked hard for the victory against last placed Natanya with a 3-4 margin which simultaneously knocked them out despite their strong showing. Hot Skitty on Wailord Action were out as well despite not having played that night.
In Group D, Drawkland lead following a comfortable 3-0 victory against Gekkeom in the Alleos area as Sylvestone took a deserved 0-1 win against Darkmania, a loss sending one team out but a victory that would push the other up to second - this meant that they were provisionally New Lusitania's opponent as things stood. Not having played, Silver Beach can still take their argent hands into the silvery second position however, meaning it isn't over yet.
In Group E another draw hindered Sajnur's hopes of progressing but Abanhfleft's 2-2 draw to Kayangan meant it was all still in the open with only the latter mentioned team out of the running. In the sixth group, Group F, the Kohnhead sensation continued to thrive as they sat happily at the top of the standings following an impressive 3-2 victory against Port Ember, who were now third with a game in hand over the top two. Fleuronordicia reversed the score but won nonetheless with a 2-3 victory over Juvencus in County Coleraine. Over in Group G, Woryand surprised with seven points and first place after a 1-0 victory in Sassari against the S.R.S. whilst Kriegiersien seemed to be having a coming of age as their second place saw improvement from last time in terms of their play. A 2-0 victory against The Calculator made them move ahead of the Squornshelans. Devonta is also in the group but rested for now. Group H is without a doubt one of the most exciting groups the IAC has ever seen - four teams, four points to all. Hopal is last on none but with one less game, they aren't out of the count just yet. Two goalless draws in Indusse Vs. Megistos and Reçueçn Vs. Fujai wasn't the most exciting for anyone looking for goals, but provided plenty of good football in the attack and midfield.
With an Independent Associations Cup this close, it all begs the questions - are New Lusitania going too fast and can they do anything in this IAC. Whilst it's two early to certainly tell on either, it can be hypothesised that there is a chance of actually going far in this tournament and in the current style of play, should be possible. However, in Matchday two we saw the team stumble sometimes and this can be a golden hour created by the new coach. With still plenty to play for, the best is to wait and see how well and how long they can play like this in this long and winding road.

[Schottia]

The Very Best

Part Five

Parting Shot

‘You’ve got this.’ Ferguson insisted, as he walked Lewis towards the stadium, for the Lammerton Brewery Championship final. It had been a mentally draining five round tournament, one in which they perhaps had not expected her to come so far. ‘I’ve been watching this kid’s battles, he’s started with Larvitar in every match so far, chances are he’s going to use him at some point.’

Lewis nodded; her expression was hard and utterly focused on the task ahead. She was dressed in a black tank-top and sports leggings, topped off with a pair of red plimsolls, and fingerless trainer-gloves. With her hair tied in a high bun, she was unrecognisable from the lawyer he’d been sat beside in the courtroom a week ago.

‘Start with Riolu, keep moving, keep the attacks quick.’ Ferguson went on, trying to impart his years of experience. ‘Make the wee bastard have to move. In the semis he also went with Drapion, then Roselia on the river – the round before that, it was Watchhog into Roselia.’ They had reached the competitors entrance, and turned to face each other. ‘You’ve got this!’ He repeated, placing a hand firmly on each of her shoulders and waiting for another nod of understanding. ‘Riolu is strong against Watchhog and Drapion, and you can cover Roselia with ice punch.’ Brows furrowed, Lewis clenched her firsts in understanding. ‘Magnemite, can just about finish off the grass type if you lose out, then we rely on Umbreon to sweep up in the tail.’

‘Right.’ Lewis pulled Riolu’s pokeball from her pocket in preparation, holding it close to her lips, as if she were saying a little prayer. She’d always believed the little guy was unready for this level of competition, but Ferguson’s guidance was already paying off, as he’d shown her that Riolu could be a real asset.

‘Come on!’ Ferguson gave her a solid pat on the back – one with such force that it caused her to head to bob a little. ‘Win this! No fucking excuses.’

Wind and hail battered their way across the Lammerton City Ground, as Lewis made her way to the trainers’ box. Marked by a white line, it was barely visible, as the grass slowly began to turn white with snowfall. Across from her stood her opponent. He couldn’t have been older than fourteen or fifteen, and was dressed in a blue hoody - pokeball emblem on the front – a pair of baggy jeans, and skate shoes. The hair sticking out from under his beanie-hat looked dark, oily, and unkempt.

”Come on Anna, don’t lose this one…” She muttered to herself, teeth chattering with the cold, upper arms blue, and covered in goose bumps. The fact that he was half her age, but probably a more experienced trainer, added some much-unwanted pressure. The thought of sitting in the car home with Ferguson was bad enough, but having him pick the bones out of her defeat was too much to bear.

“Welcome to the Lammerton Breweries Championship final!” The announcement crackled. “After an enthralling tournament so far we are left with the best and brightest, who have fought tooth and nail for this chance at glory.” There was a decent crowd, but in a stadium normally housing thirty thousand noisy football fans, the atmosphere felt thin and echoy. “Our first finalist, ranked fourth nationally, and competing in his eighteenth tournament this season, it’s Marionville’s finest: RONNIE FALLER!!!” A ripple of cheers went up from one end of the stadium in particular. “And his competitor, unranked, and competing in her first tournament of the season, from Handon: ANNA LEWIS!!!” Not so much cheering, as people asking ’who?’

“This is a three Pokémon battle, first trainer to knock out all of their opponent’s Pokémon is the victor.” There was a pause. “And, since our competitors are ready, let’s begin!”

Anna’s fingers were numb as they clutched the pokéball. ‘Riolu; GO!’

Across the stadium, barely audible above the roaring wind. ‘Larvitar; GO!’

‘Okay Riolu, we’ve got this: Cross Chop!’

‘Larvitar, quickly: Parting-Shot!’

In one lightning movement, Larvitar dodged the Cross Chop, delivered his own blow to Riolu’s chest, and returned to his pokeball to be replaced by Roselia.

‘Now Roselia: use Dazzle Gleam!’

Totally blind-sided, Riolu took fairy type attack hard, reeling as he fell backward from the explosion of light.

‘Riolu: Get up!’ But it was too late

‘Roselia: Razor Leaf! Finish it!’

A stray leaf that failed to find its mark hit the ground like a hot knife into butter, sending clods earth and frozen turf whistling past Lewis’ head.

‘Come on Riolu! Get up!’ However;

“Riolu is unable to continue!”

Lewis had lost her best lead pokemon, far too cheaply. ‘Riolu: Return.’ She placed the Pokeball back on her belt holder before considering her next move. Umbreon wasn’t going to enjoy those fairy attacks, and Magnemite’s electric attacks would be resisted…

‘Magnemite: It’s your turn!’ She threw out her second pokemon. ‘We’re going to have to do this the hard way, but so be it! Magnemite: Use Screech!’

The stadium was filled with the vicious noise of grinding metal gears, causing Roselia to recoil in the process.

‘Now, Magnemite: Gyro Ball!’

Magnemite spun across the stadium, connecting hard with Roselia.

‘Roselia: Get up!’ Faller ordered, seeming flustered for the first time this tournament. ‘Use: Life Dew!’

The Roselia seemed to be drawing energy from the moisture on the ground, building up to…

‘Now: Energy Ball!’

‘Magnemite you can take this…’ Lewis stopped, mid sentence. She had been expecting a grass type attack, but Faller had cleverly used Dew Life to convert it Energy Ball to a water move, which hit harder ‘Magnemite: Quickly, Gyro b– ’

‘Roselia: Poison Jab!’ Lewis was too late, and Faller capitalised on her hesitation. The poison type move didn’t do much damage, but Lewis was a Pokémon down, and this was adding up.

‘Magnemite: Use Supersonic!’ The waves connected with Roselia sending it into a confused state. ‘Now: Power up a Flash Cannon!’

‘Roselia, Dodge!’ But the affects of the Supersonic were still visible, and Roselia missed its cue.

“Roselia is unable to continue!”

‘Okay Magnemite, we’re ready for this!’

‘Larvitar: Go!’ Faller’s first Pokémon was back in. ‘Bulldoze, now!’

‘Dodge it Magnemite, you’ve got this!’

Magnemite did as instructed, but it was only a temporary reprieve.

‘Larvitar: Mud Shot!’ Tapping into one of Magnemite’s few weaknesses, Faller succeeded in finishing off the already ailing ball of steel.

“Magnemite is unable to continue!”

It was two against one. Lewis inhaled deeply, before letting out a long shaky breath. ‘Umbreon, It comes down to you: GO!’ The Evolution pokemon sprung from the ball, stance one of readiness. With the wind and snow now picking up, its dark coat stood out like jet in the arena. ‘Okay Umbreon, let’s show them what we can do: Use Swift Attack!’

‘Larvitar: Dig!’ The pokemon tunnelled underground in the nick of time, causing Umbreon to go skidding, upending itself on the slippery surface.

‘God damn it! Umbreon: Look out!’ But it was too late, as Larvitar resurfaced directly beneath it, sending Umbreon flying into the air, landing unceremoniously just in front of Lewis’ trainer box. ‘Come on, get to your feet…’ Umbreon wasn’t done just yet, and duly complied. ‘Good, Umbreon: Now, let’s show them what we’re made out of: Foul Play!’

‘Larvitar: Dig.’ But Faller wasn’t quick enough, and the blast connected with his pokemon.

‘Umbreon: Dark Pulse, NOW!’

‘Larvitar: Harden!’

Come on Umbreon, he’s a sitting duck: Tackle, quick!’

‘Dig!’ The speed at which the Larvitar changed stance, and burrowed into the ground took everyone in the stadium by surprise, including Umbreon, who crumpled nose first in a heap.

‘UMBREON!!!’

‘NOW LARVITAR: EARTHQUAKE!’

An explosion of earth and soil erupted up from the ground, causing the stadium to shake. Both trainers were forced to crouch and cover their heads, as several tonnes of soil scattered the pitch. When the dust had settled, Umbreon lay knocked out, and Larvitar stood victorious.

“Umbreon is unable to continue, Faller wins”

[Indusse]

This is really bad!!! shouts the coach moteudi, this is not the first time that indusse is loosing/tied to a under ranked team. This isnt good if this continues i will be ditched!!! The team is really playing like they are playing sevens tournaments. Indusse would have lost to Hopal if the captain was not there. Baskar Kumar scored the equilizer at the 87th minute when the hopal defender failed to defend the ball from the strikers. he didnt leave that chance.Yaay!!! thats a goal, the whole east stand roared with joy. Currently, we can see the team stats showing them second in the group behind Recuecn and above Fujai. If indusse fails to win the next match and Fujai/mejistos tie then indusse will qualify. It is really a unpredictible situation.

Group H                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Reçueçn                        3   2  1  0    7   1  +6    7 Q
2 Indusse                        4   1  2  1    4   8  −4    5 Baskar K Top scorer
3 Fujai                          3   1  1  1    2   2   0    4
4 Megistos                       3   1  1  1    1   1   0    4
5 Hopal                          3   0  1  2    1   3  −2    1

[HUElavia]

HUElavia to Hold Breath after Solid Victory!

Hot Skitty on Wailord Action 1–3 HUElavia
(Bird 7 87' | Navarro 10', Hamada 28' (P), Cristiano 77')
Seafoam Athletic Park, Saint Anne, Seafoam Islands

HUElavia came into Matchday 4 needing a victory in order to stay alive in IAX. The loss against Tequillo was very costly, and were now staring at the barrel of elimination. Coach Mendieta-Martinez was obligated to field the best XI he could offer. The stadium was heavily packed with HUElavians looking to support their team in what may or may not be their last match in this edition. The teams came out, the anthems were played and both the crowd and players were ready. The ball was rolled and the match was underway.

HUElavia was heavily dominant throughout the match, getting the ball past Hot Skitty on Wailord Action's defense with ease, having shots saved or blocked by Bird 1. The opening goal came in the 10th minute during a corner, when Gallego whipped in a ball into the goal, and Navarro came running to come over Bird 3, and head the ball past Bird 1 into the goal to make it 0-1. The crowd jumped and roared with passion, while Navarro celebrated with his teammates, and shared a quick kiss with his girlfriend Hamada. In the 28th minute, Rossi was running towards the goal looking to score a spectacular goal when Bird 1 ran at him and knocked him down in the box. The referee pointed to the spot for a penalty kick and gave Bird 1 a yellow card. Hamada stepped up to take the kick and scored it in with ease to make it 0-2. The crowd applauded and cheered with joy while Hamada celebrated with her teammates and once again celebrated with a quick kiss with her boyfriend Navarro. HUElavia kept the game under control for the remainder of the match, although towards the 77th minute, a foul by Bird 4 on substitute Conti (in for Ramirez) gave away a free kick. Cristiano took up the free kick, shooting over the wall and past Bird 1 into the goal to make it 0-3. The crowd jumped up with passion, making the stadium rumble during their celebration, while Cristiano ran to the corner flag and did his famous power stance celebration, while his teammates came up to hug and celebrate with him. Although, in the 87th minute, a shot by Bird 7 was taken, and deflected off Fernandez, to go past Lobato and into the goal to make it the definitive 1-3.

With the win, HUElavia stay alive for the time being, along with Tequillo winning 5-2 over Natanya. For HUElavia to advance to the Round-of-16, they need Tequillo to defeat Terre Septentrionale in Matchday 5. A draw or loss for Tequillo eliminates Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos, in what would be a very disgraceful exit to a promising team. The team and fans will be praying for Tequillo to do a historic victory, while the fans back home will also be praying to whichever deity they may worship. Fans will be flocking to watch parties to see and hope that Tequillo's victory would help HUElavia advance to the knockouts. The Terre Septentrionale-Tequillo match slightly favors Terre Septentrionale, but one can only hope and pray for a historic upset that could occur.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Terre Septentrionale]

OOC: This article was written and printed before matchday 4 was played.

Terre Septentrionale beats Natanya

Sainte-Anne, Omérique - After scoring only 2 goals in their first two games, Terre Septentrionale beat Natanya 4-3 on matchday 3 in Sainte-Anne, Omérique. Most of the fans in the stadium were Septentrionaux with some Natanyans and local Oméricains also in the stands. Élisabeth Normandin injured herself in game 2 against HUElavia and missed this game. Przemyslaw Tkocz replaced her in the starting XI. Slawomir Skrzeszewski was also benched in favor of 22 years old Kacper Pietrzkiewicz. Terre Septentrionale attacked in the 4th minute when Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz passed the ball to Roksana Kolodziejczyk who dribbled with the ball and passed to Sandrine Fontaine who had a better angle. Fontaine shoots and she scores! 1-0 Terre Septentrionale. Natanya scored two unanswered goals, one at the 28th minute and the second one at the 33rd minute. The Nordiques attacked again at the 44th minute when Géorges-Kévin Vainqueur kicks a goal kick, Wlodzimierz Waclawczyk jumps and heads the ball to Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa who dribbles and shoots from 20 meters and it's a goal! The game is tied at 2-2.

Sandrine Fontaine passed to Sandie McCracken at the 51st minute. McCracken shoots but the ball is deflected by the goalkeeper and goes all over the net. It's a corner kick. Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz kicks the ball and it goes directly into the goal without touching anyone, Terre Septentrionale is leading 3-2! The Reprezentacja Nordycki attacked again at the 83rd minute when Przemyslaw Tkocz passed to Tymoteusz Swierczewski who made a short pass to Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa who kicks the ball and it's a goal! Terre Septentrionale increased their lead to 4-2. Natanya scored at the 86th minute to make it at 4-3 and this is the final score.

BOXSCORE

4th minute: Sandrine Fontaine assisted by Roksana Kolodziejczyk
28th minute: Player #10 assisted by Player #7
33rd minute: Player #11 assisted by Player #9
44th minute: Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa assisted by Wlodzimierz Waclawczyk
51st minute: Yannick Ksiezniakiewicz (corner kick)
83rd minute: Fryderyka Cwierczakiewiczowa assisted by Tymoteusz Swierczewski
86th minute: Player #17 assisted by Player #6

YELLOW CARDS

12th minute: Przemyslaw Tkocz
19th minute: Player #6
38th minute: Sandrine Fontaine
66th minute: Franciszek Niedzwiecki
72nd minute: Alicja Jedrzejczyk
76th minute: Player #2

RED CARDS

None

1st place

With this win against Natanya and Tequilo's surprise win against HUElavia, Terre Septentrionale is now first in the standings with 7 points in 3 games whileTequilo have 6 points in 2 games and HUElavia are behind with 4 points in 3 games. It starts to be a disappointing tournament for HUElavia and they'll have to beat Hot Skitty on Wailord Action on matchday 4 to keep themselves alive. On matchdat 4, the Northmen will have a bye while HUElavia will play against HSOWA and Tequilo will take on Natanya. Then on the final day we play Tequilo and HUElavia will have a bye. I'm not going to talk about all the different scenarios but let's hope HUElavia loses to HSOWA and Natanya beats Tequilo so it will be easier for us to qualify. Slawomir Skrzeszewski will be back in the starting XI against Tequilo but Élisabeth Normandin will watch again the game from the stands. Przemyslaw Tkocz will once again replace her.

Wlodzimierz Pietruszewski,
Senior writer,
La tribune Septentrionale

[Woryand]

Malyōrless Woryand shock once more at the IAC
ßalgōr News (OOC: This town, pronounced fal-GOR, is located roughly 800 international standard kilometers west of South Central and has a population of roughly 320,000.)
Translated to International Standard English for the readers' convenience.

Woryand delivered yet another shock at the IAC with a 1-0 win over Devonta. This surprise win gave Woryand a guaranteed advancement to the next round as the group winners and eliminated Devonta's chances of progressing to the next round.

23 year old Ēvōzi started to replace the injured Malyōr, a move that was generally met by disapproval from pundits due to his unproven track record on the domestic stage, at least compared to the league-leading goalscorer and title-holding Duronia City veteran Ilōyeru.

The game was in a humdrum deadlock for much of its duration, with neither team much willing to get out of their own half. This deadlock was broken in the 73rd minute, with Kōwa lofting a sublime cross to let Ēvōzi get a one-on-one, which he masterfully converted. This was Kōwa's second assist of the tournament, a marvelous tally for a wing back and one that is certainly not going to go unnoticed domestically.

Devonta proceeded to attack relentlessly for the final fifteen minutes, but Woryand held steady with their park-the-bus style of play which they have become well-known for over the course of this tournament, only allowing a few shots to seep through and just one to go on target, a soft kick from distance which was collected easily by Grēnwā.

Woryand, in response to strong international showing, declares national holiday
ßalgōr News
Translated to International Standard English for the readers' convenience.

Earlier this year, in response to hearing that Woryand had entered the IAC, BoF, and WC, the national legislature had passed legislature to grant national holidays should Woryand perform well in those competitions. Today, with the win over Devonta guaranteeing Woryand's advancement to the next stage of the IAC, the first of those targets has been achieved. As such, Woryand has declared a Tier 2 national holiday, granting it to all federal workers and encouraging all private entities to follow its model. It is estimated that 50 million workers, or 40% of the national workforce, will receive this holiday. It is estimated that this holiday will cost the nation as a whole WYD $1.8 billion in lost productivity. In the town of ßalgōr, ßalgōr steel is the only one to have declared a widescale holiday, allowing all workers above the rank of W-15 [OOC: roughly 15,000 employees out of 26,000] to work only a half-day and receive a full day's pay, and all workers above the rank of M-8 [OOC: roughly 1,600 employees out of 26,000] to take the full day off.

In additional to tomorrow, Tier 2 holidays due to sporting excellence will be granted for every tie won in the knockout groups of the IAC and BoF, as well as for a top-half finish in the World Cup qualifying and any wins in the World Cup qualifying.

[Trolleborg]

Greetings, compatriots!
It's TTV from Omerica. Havynwilde national team became our third rival in the tournament. Country is going through difficult times, clearly has no time for football. Wanting to support its inhabitants in difficult times, the players of the Trolleborg national team took to the field wearing T-shirts with a slogan of support. As the team captain said, commenting on such an act, "this is the least that we can do right now, but when the match will be over, we will do much more!" The fans, on their part, chanted "Havynwilde" in the 13th minute of each half in support of the country's 1.3 billion people.

But this is all happened out of the field. And on the pitch we needed a victory - and our opponents need it too. Our team, as in the previous match, started very strong, immediately moving on pressure Havynwilde players throughout the field. And this pressure almost immediately brought success, in the 3rd minute Groningen intercepted the ball on his own half of the field, Finnsnes rushed forward and passed the ball to Troll, who got to the opponents' penalty area and craftily and cunningly shot straight into the far corner, driving the fans into a frenzy.

Of course, they expected a continuation, and almost got it. On 10th minute Kerr robbed the defender near the penalty area, but slipped and missed the ball, a little later Skaloed make a sudden shot from twenty meters, but the goalkeeper, although it was closed by the players, somehow deflected it in the last moment. A few minutes later Finnsnes, Troll and Levenkrands played a really beatuful combination, and brought ball to the same Skaloed right near the gates, but by some miracle he missed the goal. Finally, closer to the break, Levenkrands confused his opponents with his dribbling on the flank and gave an unexpected pass to the center, but the goalkeeper parried Finnsnes' powerful shot in the jump.

But after the break, the opponents began to press, and they had chances to score, but, fortunately, Kotsson, who this time received the number 1 post, acted confidently and did not allow this happen. In the second half, both teams had chances, but we mainly remember episode at the injury time, when Havynwilde almost snatched a draw, but the ball flew just above the crossbar after a beautiful header.

With this victory, our guys secured the right to play in the playoffs for the first time in history, and equalized the balance of goals scored and conceded in the tournament. But there is still a fight with Sharktail ahead, and the Blue Predators are not the guys who don’t try to get at least moral compensation in the form of a victory over us.

[Hopal]

The Hopal Herald Sports
A tie as Hopal is eliminated
It was a close game that almost saw Hopal on top. The possession was split with Indusse holding on to the ball for little bit more time. Most off the game either spend in the neutral zone or at Hopal's end with Hopal's defence holding tight up until the end but we'll talk about that later. Hopal though struggled to get past Indusse forcing them to stay at their own end. Even when Hopal manged to get past Indusse's offence their defence held the line and pushed back. But at 44 minutes Don Duble was dribbling past the Indusse offence, with one of the Indusse defensive players quickly approaching. But on the other end Justin Gubre had an opening on the net on the other side. Duble quickly passed the ball to Gubre who soon afterwards scored off the pass from Duble to much fanfare. The rest of the game was pretty much the same with either team not being able to get past the other. Right up until the end when an Indusse player had the ball and was chasing Henry Gowen to the net Gowen fell in a defensive motion and Indusse scored. The game ended soon after that and so did Hopal's hopes in the 10th Independents Cup.

[Kriegiersien]

Kriegiersien needs a victory against Squornshelan. Can Wu deliver?

[Squidroidia]

As Manager Ryūzaki Mito sat in his seat for the post-game press conference, he was still feeling like this was some dream. Beating Poafmersia? One of the best teams of the non-big 3 region? It felt like somebody else was controlling him, it felt like someone else was him. Hideo setting up Hoshi for the game winner in the 53rd minute, the stops Go had to make to deflect the Poafmersian attack, the fact that THIS team, one who hasn't stepped foot in a World Cup qualifier game yet, let alone the Baptism of Fire, beat one of the best independent squads out there? It was enough to make anyone shake. The crowd in Inkopolis was still partying as if they won the whole damn Independent Associations Championship! But someone had to make him snap out of it.

"Uh, Manager Mito?"

"Y-yeah, I'm ready now. Apologies." Mito still felt weird, but he insisted to trudge on.

"Great, it's Shirou Fujita from SBN News. How the hell did you beat Poafmersia?"

"I can't understand what you are saying, mister."

"How did your team, a group of misfits who finished 2nd to last in the Euro Cup, beat a genuinely good team in Poafmersia tonight?"

"Who and what am I supposed to follow here?"

"Manager Mito, your team beat Poafmersia and you could win the group by beating Abanhfleft. It seems like with every unprecedented result your team makes, it casts a bigger shadow."

"....Where the hell am I? Inkopolis? Canterlot? Bastion?"

"You're in Syracuse, Ryūzaki."

"Oh right, Syracuse. W-where was I... Oh right, beating Poafmersia. During that game I saw Ogasawara look down at the feet of Haodao. He knew it was Haodao, the shadow represented Haodao. But as he ran, Oga thought, 'Hey, is it the shadow that is trembling or is it his feet?' We were 1-0 down at that point in the 28th. He wasn't afraid, the situation at the moment wasn't okay, but as he flowed down to tackle him, he seemed to fly with the black wind that moment. Yellow card."

"Mito, you know that's going to leave him out for the game against Abanhfleft, right?"

"I do need that. And I think it's time to give Meeuwessen some minutes."

"Meeuwessen? Are you crazy?"

"Gotta go insane to say sane, man."

"Mito, you really are throwing yourself into both worlds now."

"Look, our fans didn't let us down, the team didn't let me down, we were fighting together and that's how we got to getting the lead and carrying Poaf into that beautiful prison that is not making it."

"...They're advancing no matter what you and Fleft do!"

"Fiiiine, then find me in Bayonnette, so I may live with you."

"...Don't you even know what Itoh says before a game?"

"FIght, bring the pain, bring it on. It's as common as the rain pouring and the sky falling."

"Bring the pain?"

"Until it is his blood and flesh."

"Bring the PAIN?"

"Look, he knows the way around the defense."

"And if he falls?"

"He comes right up and screams."

"He comes right up and screams?"

"That's what he always been since that fateful day."

The interviewer was getting nervous. "And if his knees snap and drop to the ground?"

"If he doesn't get buried, it doesn't matter."

"Now what are you going to do for the game against Abanhfleft?"

"Win. No matter. What. Win no matter what! WIN NO MATTER WHAT! I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU SAY, I DON'T CARE WHAT THE SQUIDROIDIAN MEDIA SAYS, I DON'T CARE WHAT THE GAELIC GAMERS SAY! I absolutely do not give a single UGH right now!"

And the manager stormed out of the conference. This was going to be a media blunder.

His pain seemed to lie in his soul. The manager, frustrated and hallucinating after seemingly becoming a god against Poaf, sat down. This run, 7 points from the first 3 games? This was his everything. This was what his blood and tears made. It made the crowd, the announcers, Mito himself, scream like they just got the arc of the covenant. This feeling, the feeling that Itoh felt, that Squidroidia felt, it was taking him over. Sending him into the dark abyss. Then he realized.

He has to fight and bleed with his team.

[Drawkland]

Richard Swiss: Sulsu Wrangler
Season 1, Episode 3
"Sulsuitis"

[The camera fades in, showing a peaceful tropical sea with a jungle-filled island in the background. The camera bobs up and down slightly, as if on a boat. The shot stays there for a few seconds, before a man in a safari outfit and a wide-brimmed hat enters the shot and sits down on the left.]

"Hello, my name is Richard Swiss. You may not know me right now, but I'm just a simple traveller. I've conquered seas, forests, deserts, mountains, and tundras all over our beautiful planet Sonnel. There's one place I haven't yet mastered, though ... the stunning and chaotic Sulsuland. I'm Richard Swiss, and I'm going to become the first Sulsu Wrangler."

[The camera slowly pans to the right until Swiss is out of the frame and more of the island is seen. The logo appears on screen as the theme music fades in: an aggressive blues riff on an acoustic guitar backed with hand drums and other tribal timbres. The background becomes a sequence of clips and images of the island and some Sulsus.]

[The camera fades in to reveal Richard Swiss holding a few fish on a stick over a campfire. In the background are a couple tents and various camping equipment, with a dark green jungle behind it. After a few moments, he begins to speak.]

"Right now I'm cooking a few fish me and the crew caught a few minutes ago. Cooking the fish is sort of a double benefit for anybody travelling in areas containing Sulsu. For one, like almost all meat, it is much safer for the average person like you and me to consume cooked meat as opposed to raw. Also, cooked fish can help with keeping Sulsu from your food supply. Of course, all fish is fish, but it does help you if raw fish is more readily available to a sulsu."

[The fish have seemed to finish cooking, and Swiss puts them on a small platter, which he hands to a crew member. A large net full of fish is sitting on the ground near Swiss, he grabs a few more fish from it, then motions offscreen.]

"Here we have a big collection of fish from our fishing adventure. Even from the limited and occasionally flawed information from past researchers, there's a pretty clear consensus that you should always overfish when in these waters. For one, there seems to be an abnormal abundance of fish in this area of the ocean, much larger than what should reasonably be possible based on the ecosystem. Perhaps this anomaly is what coaxed the fish-crazed Sulsu to the isles in the first place.

"Anyway, the conventional knowledge is to always fish for more than you need to eat for a given period. This is so that if any suslus come near you, you have a sort of "offering" to give to them. This will, ideally, keep them from being aggressive or pushy for fish, especially if they smell it on you. Of course, one may wonder why you would bother trying to hunt fish in this area considering how you're competing directly with sulsus for them. Once again, the abundance of the fish in the water makes it almost foolish not to use them as your main food source. Other food sources, such as tropical fruits, other seafoods, or the local land fauna are more difficult to come by and even more difficult to obtain."

[The next batch of fish have finished cooking, and Swiss hands them off. The large net of fish had been taken to the edge of camp by a crew member as he was talking. Swiss turns around and pulls out a bunch of bananas from a box.]

"Fruit trees aren't very common, but we were lucky enough to find some bananas while exploring parts of the jungle behind us. It's not much, but at least we'll have something to break up the monotony of only eating fish. Here, pass these around.

"I'm hoping we can get lucky and find some citrus trees soon. As you may already know, citrus fruits are generally abundant in Vitamin C. It's vital to get a solid intake of vitamin C, because a deficiency can lead to scurvy. This disease plagued sailors and pirates from the early days of sea exploration all the way until shortly after the first Great Sonnelian War. The symptoms are not pleasant, and because I'm trying to keep this show on daytime television, I'm not going to describe the symptoms in much detail. I think if we don't find a source of citrus or other Vitamin C-rich foods, we'll have to look at getting some sent to us.

"It looks like we'll be having cooked fish and bananas for lunch! I say fish because I'm not sure what sort of fish this is, it's some sort of colorful reef fish. I imagine I should've learned more about fish species before coming out to do this show. Oh well, hindsight 20/20! We'll be back in a moment."

[As the camera starts to fade out, a sulsu can be seen rummaging through the net on the edge of camp. When it fades back in, Swiss is back on the beach from the last episode, back to the ocean.]

"That sure was a delicious lunch! I think tomorrow we might try looking for shellfish like shrimp or the Arlet Virgin Crab which is exclusive to this ocean. Like I mentioned earlier, it's safer than fishing from a sulsu security standpoint, but it'll be a harder process and take more time.

"Back on topic, we've had contact with a few sulsus since the last episode. Most of them we were either not recording or they weren't interesting enough to keep, but we've found out a few more things. For one, we've learned a little bit more about the difference between some of the "local" Sulsus in our area. Originally, the research had shown that the differences between various sulsus is negligible at best and essentially impossible to tell apart. From our experience these past few days, this actually seems to be incorrect, as we've begun to notice certain sulsus based on their personality, presence, or even small identifying physical features. We suspect this has something to do with the condition known as Sulsuitis.

"If you'll remember back to the past couple episodes, I've briefly mentioned Sulsuitis before. This is the most inherent risk in interacting with Sulsus, even beyond fish-related incidents. For reasons and factors that remain unknown, some people who make contact with any sulsu can contract this "disease", which essentially turns them into a clone of sulsu. Their hair will lengthen and become black, their skin will turn to a dark tan, and a mask will grow over their face. Curiously, the height of an affected person doesn't change, despite the fact that the original Sulsu is reported to be exactly five feet tall. The transformation process is grotesque enough, and the seeming loss of individuality is arguably worse so. This is why all of the crew, including myself, have few family or loved ones so that in the case of a Sulsuitis event, the loss is not so great. The only good news is that it seems you need direct contact with a sulsu to contract the disease, you can't unknowingly carry it to other people who've never met a sulsu."

[Swiss has been walking down the beach this whole time, and stops at this point. The camera pans past him to show a couple of Sulsus squabbling over some fish in the shallows.]

"Oh, here's a Sulsu-on-Sulsu encounter for you all to see. It's interesting to see how they interact with each other, as opposed to with people. It's like watching a spar between two ferocious animals in a documentary, except you can actually understand what they're saying. Well, mostly understand. Here, see if you can get a little closer with the mic to catch what they're saying.

[The camera zooms and focuses on the two sulsus, who are clearly having a heated discussion. The boom operator is seen on the very edge of the screen, and suddenly the sulsus can be heard.]

"hEY, SulSu SaW iT FirsT!"

"NO! SulSU SaW iT!"

"StoP LyinG, at leaST SulSu DoesNt lOok LikE soMe KinD oF waLnuT, LikE yoU!"

"TaKe thAt BacK!"

[The sulsus suddenly produce large clubs that appear to be made of bone, like a femur of some massive creature. They begin to comes to blows with said clubs, the impacts of which are creating small shockwaves. This is overshadowed by the boom operators suddenly doubling over and falling to the sand, dropping the mic. The voices of Swiss and the crew can be heard, though muffled since the mic is now laying on the ground.]

"Woah! Jim, are you okay?"

"Jim, what's up?"

"Give him some space, look out! Maybe he's dehydrated, who has the water?"

[Swiss is given a canteen of water, and he bends over the fallen boom operator. The camera moves closer to show the man lying on the ground, unconscious. His eyes suddenly fly open, and he convulses slightly.]

"Jim! This is Richard. Are you alright? I have some water for you, here, drink it."

"Richard ... I ... I think it's happening to me ..."

"What's happening? Drink the water at least!"

"Wait a minute, aren't Jim's eyes blue? Why do they look brown right now?"

[The crew starts chattering among themselves, then Jim bolts upright and grabs Swiss by the collar.]

"I DON'T WANT TO BE SULSU, RICHARD! DON'T LET ME GO! AHHH-"

"Jim! Oh my God!"

[Jim suddenly flops back to the ground, and his body begins to convulse wildly. As Swiss had described earlier, his body started morphing in appearance, with a brown wooden mask starting to grow over his face. Swiss and the crew are all silent, watching the transformation take place. It finishes, and all that remains of Jim are the boom operator headphones he was wearing ... the rest is just Sulsu. Swiss tentatively speaks, and the Sulsu suddenly jumps to his feet.]

"Are ... are you okay? Is it ... done?"

"HEy yoU guYs knoW whErE thE nearesT fisH arOunD hERe iS?"

"I'll take that as a yes ... did you get all that on camera?"

"oH NO, tHe vOiCe cAtCheR FeLL, wiLL sOUnD BaD. SuLsu sOrRy aBouT tHaT oNe."

"E-excuse me? I thought you were Sulsu now?"

"iS sULsU, yEs."

[Sulsu walks over to where the boom mic fell on the sand and picks it up. He shakes some of the sand off, then raises it back into the air as normal.]

"NOw, wHErE wAs SuLSu aNd FriEndS?"

"Uh, Jim, I'm not sure we're going to finish this scene here. I'm not exactly sure what to say here."

"jiM? wHo JiM?"

"Sorry ... Sulsu. Why are you holding that? I thought you'd just want some fish right now."

"sULsu cOuLd tOtaLLy go FOr soME fiSH riGhT nOw!"

"Okay ... Gary, can you pass the box over?"

[A small box is tossed to Swiss from offscreen. He unlocks it, then tosses it on the ground in front of the Sulsu. Sulsu immediately drops the mic and devours the whole box, which apparently contained fish. Once he swallows, he pics the mic back up and continues holding it.]

"This is very ... interesting to say the least. Sulsu, do you still want to stay and work with us?"

"sUre, friEnD. yOu hAve fiSh?"

"Yes, we have more fish back at camp."

"tHeN sUlsU wiLl sTay. wHaT iS yOuR nAmE friEND?"

"My name? It's - it's Richard Swiss."

"oKaY DiCk fRieND, wHeRe iS cAmP?"

"I'll show you in a minute. As for us ... I think this will be the end of this episode. We have a lot to work out, but we'll come to you next episode with more information on what's just happened here today. As always, thanks for tuning in to our show, and I hope you'll be back again. I'm Richard Swiss, Sulsu Wrangler ... goodnight."

[The shot fades to black and an extended version of the theme music plays as the credits roll. At the end of the credits, a special screen with a picture of the boom operator and the text "In Memory of the True Jim Jones" is shown.]

[PotatoFarmers]

I am sorry for what I have done, I don't mean it. But the opportunity to use this as a nice reply to Squid's RP was too hard to resist.

Poafmersia 1
Shakira Handris 24'

Squidroidia 2
Makino Hideo 39'
Itoh Hoshi 53'

Starting 11: Sandi Jaliaha; Alex Pickford, Danzik Hoboson (c), Nasri Sanchez, Natalia Abbott; Gisiik Moonar, Woden Sweet, Daas Taisg; Joel Haodao, Shakira Handris, Pete Carisa
Substitutes: Hansel Tang (Haodao 37')

Group E                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Squidroidia                    3   2  1  0    4   2  +2    7
2 Poafmersia                     4   2  1  1    7   3  +4    7 Q
3 Abanhfleft                     3   1  1  1    7   8  −1    4
4 Sajnur                         3   0  2  1    3   5  −2    2 E
5 Kayangan                       3   0  1  2    2   5  −3    1 E

Poafmersia qualifies for the Round of 16 as they cannot lose to both Abanhfleft and Squidroidia in terms of Head-to-Head record

Back in the hotel room, Hansel Tang was feeling really upset. Yes, Poafmersia qualified for the Round of 16. However, this was not the manner in which Poafmersia intended had intended to enter the Round of 16. "Exploding in the group stage has became common place now?" she asked herself back on the pitch when the final whistle blew. Pete Carisa, who was nearby, clearly heard it, and said, "It isn't your fault, don't be too worried about it."
An unraked side, a side who Poafmersia has played before, now beating them here, at this stage, just when Poafmersia could flex at a nice 3-1-0 record and qualify as group champions. Now, Poafmersia has to wait for the results between Squidroidia and Abanhfleft to see what position Poafmersia would qualify as. This wait was nerve-wrecking for Hansel, who felt that it was her fault, being unable to break the solid defence which she could typically break. Everyone has called her the "wrecking ball", the player who can score past those big buses, the player who can survive in such a defence-focused nation known as Ko-oren. Fans has seen how she could work very well with the front line, being that player who is experienced in breaking rock solid defences by getting long range screamers, or dribbling quickly so as to bamboozle the opposition defence. This time, the 53rd minute goal by Itoh Hoshi became the ultimate winner, something which nobody really expected.
It was 11pm at night, where many people would probably be sleeping after such a tired match in the morning. For Hansel, she was just unable to sleep. Lying in bed, tossing and turning around. As she would later say, that entire night, her heart "felt off". Even as she shifted herself away from worrying about the match, telling herself that she would do better another time, she just couldn't seem to forget it. She walked to the table where she laid her favourite teddy bear (she brings one of them whenever she goes, saying it is her lucky charm), looked at the bear, and uttered 2 sentences.

Should I pretend to be upset?
Should I pretend to be mad?

Hansel would later realise what she had said and realise that she must be overly drunk about that result that she was suddenly spouting nonsense. All of a sudden, she has made Squidroidia her personal rival, her personal enemy. Or maybe it is her love-hate relationships with unranked sides, with underdogs, that has made her that way.

The next morning, as she walked onto the training field, Pete Carisa came up to her. "Are you okay? Are you still feeling that sad over that performance? You don't look...okay at all."
"No I am fine, thanks for your concern," replied Hansel Tang. Somehow she realised that her feeling towards Pete has became different since the tournament started. Maybe it was because the two of them are playing together more often. Maybe it was because Pete has started to become more caring of her? (Wait, hold that thought.)
Throughout the entire training session, Hansel didn't dare to look at anyone. She was afraid that people would realise that she was thinking real hard about something. The session ended after half a day, since it was after the match the previous day and typically such sessions are recovery sessions. The real hard work can come in tomorrow, since Poafmersia has a bye on the final matchday anyways. The atmosphere remained particularly solemn after that shock loss, as well as the injury that Joel picked up because of that rash tackle that was made there. The players didn't talk much that day, and generally just went through the motion with the match. However, Hansel felt that something else was very weird. The way that Pete was looking at her, the way that he has acted to care for her over the past 2 weeks.

After the squad lunch in the hotel ballroom, Hansel went back to her own room. Lying down on her bed, she was really tired and finally felt like sleeping. But her mind kept slipping towards another song by a local Poafmersia group, which honestly, speaking, feels weird at this time and place. Like, "What is love? Is love as sweet as candy?" can't be the things you are thinking of at this point in time. "No way I am in love with him," said Hansel to herself. "There is no way." But is she sure that she isn't in love? Because for many people, being in love is something secret. Unless you can argue that all these feelings are towards Squidroidia.

[TJUN-ia]

By Peter Davis

Welcome to Falconbarrow, Omerica! The two games that will determine TJUN-ia's fate at IACX will be played inside the walls of Revolution Park. The story is simple: after a disappointing loss to Schottia in Brétolles, the Jaguars need to win both their remaining matches to secure qualification to the Round of 16 for the 2nd time in a row. With Schottia on their bye tonight, the aim for David Seems was to get all three points out of this match-up with unranked Hwiccemark. But Hwicce's only point was against the hosts themselves, so underestimation was a big no-no for tonight.

The game started off well and only got better from there. Hwiccemark are relative newcomers and it definitely showed from the off. They were pressing a bit, trying to get themselves into this game, but the TJUN-ian defence always found a way to halt them and send them away. TJUN-ia looked like the better side and they finally got their first in the 27th minute, a nice through-ball by Peliniho converted by Vladimir Podolov. But that wasn't to be it from the Jaguars as Joe Green found the back of the net in the 36th, then Kepo Ulawaya put this game to bed just before half time. The TJUN-ian "Big 3" all scored before the break, a hattrick of assists by the reliable Peliniho.

The 2nd half was more relaxed, as the team just focused on trying to run the clock down and take the points. That meant Hwiccemark saw more of the ball and they certainly tried to get at least one goal. It finally happened in the 84th minute, but substitute Prince Carter responded almost immediately in the 86th to keep the 3-goal cushion. And that was how this game ended.

It didn't need to be the greatest performance, but David Seems and his squad did what they needed to do. 3 points in the bag, as was required - but now the stakes were more complex. Omerica drew 1-1 with Space. The hosts were now only a point ahead of both TJUN-ia and Schottia, with Schottia having the advantage on H2H. That means the objective is simple for MD5 in Falconbarrow: win and you're in. A draw might be enough, but that would depend on Schottia losing to Hwiccemark - unlikely, but not impossible. We need to win, to take down the hosts of this tournament, in order to make our 2nd knockout stage in IAC play. It's all on us to overcome the odds at Revolution Park. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group A)
MD1: vs Space (UR-WCC/21-IAC) - Stade Saint-André, Brétolles (50,000) W 1-0 (T-1st)
MD2: BYE (3rd)
MD3: vs Schottia (108-WCC/UR-IAC) - Stade Saint-André, Brétolles (50,000) L 1-2 (3rd)
MD4: vs Hwiccemark (UR-WCC/UR-IAC) - Revolution Park, Falconbarrow (41,000) W 4-1 (3rd)
MD5: vs Omerica (45-WCC/10-IAC) - Revolution Park, Falconbarrow (41,000)

[Tequilo]

---

CITY OF FOOTBALL
The Man With A Plan

---

As demolition and construction rumble on in the old poor district of Quezaldad, Tapalupé city, we have learned about the Unión de Pitxi Tequilo (UPT) - that’s the FA to you and me - masterplan to dominate the future of world football; the national team, the hyper-commercial new Liga-TQ, professional youth football, a brand new national stadium and coaching centre, an attacking football philosophy. We have also learned about the money behind the venture - the corporations involved that link back to the dodgers paradise nation of Taxhavn and dubious maritime piracy proponents Bonesea: Banque Sept-Nat, Satélite Boldsport, Grupo Taxhavn and Heavy Products - all of them owned by the mysteriously meddling Wightling syndicate, The Oroboros Cooperative. But who drew up the blueprint for this revolution? Who is the mastermind behind the masterplan?

---

THE MAN WITH THE PLAN

They call him Dik ten Beuenk, and he comes from Mustardy. Now I don’t know about you, but I hadn’t even heard of Mustardy until two World Cups ago - the small island nation entered for the first and only time, didn’t do very well, didn’t do atrociously badly, and disappeared from view again. A little below par, but certainly in the realm of ordinary and, frankly, easily missed. I bet most people didn’t notice at the time, and have long since forgotten the shock win in South Covello, the highlight of an otherwise dull qualifying campaign. Hardly the stuff of dreams; not somewhere you would look for a mastermind of football. No offence, Mustardos of the world. When Tequilo announced it would send a national team to the last Baptism of Fire tournament to take it’s international bow, the announcement of Dik ten Beuenk as Team Director raised a few eyebrows, but not many. The logic was sound - he had guided a new entrant in the last cycle, picked up a shock win, a few half decent results, and had ensured a very small nation was never humiliated. It didn’t sound very ambitious to get such a man, but at the same time, it sounded unusually pragmatic for the UPT.

Skip forward three years, and Dik ten Beuenk is the mastermind behind a football revolution. How did that happen? He is advising at every level of the game. He designed the new Liga-TQ format. He’s the brains behind the coaching progression that has placed prominent older players in coaching positions with the junior national teams. He’s co-designed a technical and tactical strategy for the national team and is mastermind of the City of Football project, a vast development centre to make Tequilo a dominant force in football over an undisclosed period. This might sound fanciful and maybe it is, but they have not had a bad start. Dik ten Beuenk, it seems, might just be a genius. But a genius from… Mustardy? A small island of hardly any inhabitants, not even enough to fill up the small Socrates district of our own capital here in Tapalupé. Can that be right?

We took a look back at the archives. There is almost nothing on the man - except… one little thing. One tiny throwaway mention in an obscure forum post. A problem with Mustardy passports, just a small incident. They are, apparently, nigh impossible for the international community to verify, and there is often a hint - or worry - of fakery. Mustardy passports might not be what they seem, and Mustardy passport holders may not be who they say they are. So, who exactly is Dik ten Beuenk? Certainly, we cannot argue that he knows his pitxi. He has a background in business too, according to his sketchy bio on the Locked Off professional networking site, where it states his work with the Barque syndicate to a senior level before switching to football… that would be Barque, of Tamarindian origin, who transferred operations to Bonesea after The Fall. He is quite old too - old enough now to have been about the right age to switch from maritime work to football at the time when Bonesea were making waves in the world - led by a genius strategist who had switched from being a sailor to a football coach. We propose that he’s not from Mustardy at all. We propose that was a sham, a cover-up, a diversion: he’s from Bonesea. And there is only one genius football strategist from Bonesea who had once been a sailor, masterminded the rise of the nation to the top of world football, and conceived of ‘World Cup Island’ - an island of stadia, training facilities, rehabilitation, accommodation; an integrated football-based centre not unlike his masterplan for the City of Football. Dik ten Beuenk, we suggest, is he.

Pythagoras Jones, the brains behind Bonesea.

§

In the next episode - what about all the people living in Quezaldad’s 2.5 square kilometres of rubble where the City of Football will emerge - where are they now and what do they think? Speaking of rubble, what about the rumours about… things… unearthed during the demolition phase?

TAPALUPÉ, Tequilo - So much football, so little time… don’t worry, when you don’t have time for the big read (and we don’t have time for the big write) let the GOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL-a!!! Daily take the strain - all your analysis, in numbers, with our unique and exclusive Copametro…

NAT'LL DO NICELY, TAN-YA VERY MUCH sorry - Ed.
TEQUILO 5-2 Natanya HT: 3-0

Location: Stadium of the Occident, Westhaven, Republic of West Calaverde
Attendance: 17,309 curious locals beginning to enjoy the Tequiloan mariachi ultras; 6 sports reporters who have heard about them; and the Tequilo Ultra-Mariachis (8 sombreros+dog)

Scorers: Ito 12’ 46’ Martín Colon 16’ 85’ Cio Çenturion 19’ | Natanya#6 89’ Natanya#18(sub) 90’+2
Booked: Bertendona, Xecotcovach, Colon | Natanya#1 & #4 Sent-off: Natanya#2 - 10’

Tequilo Player Ratings: Tepin Mecatl-Rubio [9.2] Ostando Bertendona [9.6] Ephraïm Kanyinda [10-] Tol Chicote [8.5] (sub: Tomás Alemán [8.3]) Enzo Morterero [9.5] Noah Vergara [8.0] Cio Çenturion [9.2] Xecotcovach [9.1] Martín Colon [10-] Ito [10-] Ecuador (Capitan) [8.4]
Player of the Match: Ito

---

The Agave-Blues secured passage to the knockout rounds of their debut IAC tournament with a convincing win over anonymous Natanya, who made life difficult for themselves more or less from the start, applying muscle to the opening stages much to the disapproval of the local referee, who booked a defender in the second minute, sent one off in the tenth, and booked the keeper for protesting that a minute later. Suitably chastised, they were ripped apart in the next few minutes to find themselves three goals and a Natanyan down with barely twenty minutes on the clock. Tequilo strolled to success through the rest of the game, dominating possession and adding two more goals before a late, late rally proved too little too late in the end.

Tequilo will hope to complete an unexpected clean sweep should they take victory over the more fancied Terre Septentrionale, and thus set up a favourable fixture in the last sixteen - however, that was never going to be an easy task and caution will be the message coming from coach Luka Entenza’s dressing room: no time for complacency. Two players received their second yellow cards of the group stage and will sit out the next game - Ostando Bertendona and Martín Colon will be missed after impressing in this tournament, with Jatsu Cañaverri and young Turbolito making their first starts for the national team. Meanwhile keeper Tepin Mecatl-Rubio will be rested to be replaced by Nícer Fiallo, and Milan Lucio returns to the midfield along with team captain Xaime Medal, both of whom were rested last time out.

Starting Line-Up for Terre Septentrionale vs. TEQUILO
Nícer Fiallo | Jatsu Cañaverri, Ephraïm Kanyinda, Tol Chicote, Enzo Morterero | Noah Vergara | Xaime Medal (Capitan), Milan Lucio, Turbolito | Ito & Ecuador

Venue: Seafoam Athletic Park, Saint Anne, Republic of the Seafoam Islands

[Kohnhead]

The Brains defeat Blotropolis to win the group



Before the match against Blotropolis (our last in the Group Stage) kicked off we knew three things. A win would clinch the group and obviously a round of 16 spot, a draw would clinch a round of 16 spot but we would need other results go our way in order to win the group, and a loss would put us in a very difficult spot and we would need to watch the final matchday results closely.

In the end we won 2-1 in what ended up being a much closer match than I or any of the players were anticipating. I guess Blotropolis is better than we gave them credit for heading into the match. Another factor going against us was we really over confidence. We Kohnheadians are very arrogant and coupled with the success we have had in past tournaments we felt this would be an easy win.

The first half was pretty boring as Blotropolis did most of the attacking but Bertha Sanders is pretty good and she showed it saving three first half shots, one of which was pretty cool. We managed one decent chance but Erin Maltos failed to finish. In the 52nd they would strike the first blood as Miranda Atkinson was left flat footed, and half asleep as a Blotropolis player sped past her for the goal.

After this it didn't take long for the team to awaken from its slumber as there's a reason we are ranked 69th in the World. Just five minutes later, Aaron Korkson hit the equalizer sliding to score off of a cross from Charles Laker. As The Brains celebrated we knew our work wasn't done if we wanted to win the group which we felt we deserved after the dramatic win against Port Ember.

It was in the 77th minute when number 77 off the bench Harry Richman scored the winning goal from far out with a brilliant shot that will be in the Kohnheadian highlight reels forever. Richman was extremely far out when he shot the curving and arcing beauty once he saw that the keeper was off his lines. The assist was given to Claire Corton who had played it up to him.

We will be watching the final group stage matchday from the TV as we have a bye in the next round and have secured our place. We will also have extra rest before the round of 16 which is good to see. The current table in our group looks like this:

Group F                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Kohnhead                       4   3  1  0    8   3  +5   10
2 Port Ember                     3   2  0  1    8   7  +1    6
3 Fleuronordicia                 3   1  1  1    3   3   0    4
4 Blotropolis                    3   1  0  2    5   6  −1    3
5 Juvencus                       3   0  0  3    3   8  −5    0

In exciting injury news, Linus Rallyton will potentially be available to play in the finals if we make it albeit as a substitute off the bench most likely. He will not be missing any domestic time with FC Yassaca in the Squornshelan Remnant States his new club. He will also be okay for the World Cup qualifiers which are growing closer as we speak.

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

Who Shows Up Tonight?
Salwan Mynhier, Romainbourg, OME

Ok, so that was pretty fun, but it leaves me as puzzled as ever as to what this team really is.

Watching the Black-and-Reds against the Calculator, I saw the same fluid attacking movement that was on display in Matchday 2 against Devonta. I saw world class players who make their livings in some of the best leagues in the multiverse playing with purpose and drive that I haven't seen from a Confederate team in quite a while. There were some who criticized Groothuis for increasing the training load midway through the group stage, but you can't argue with the preliminary result. Whatever she's said and done lit a fire under her team. Passing was crisp and decisive, and the Black-and-Reds neatly pulled apart the hyper-conservative defensive structure presented by the footy-bots that made up the opposing team. After running their published roster by a couple mathematicians and my computer hacker niece, we managed to come up with a plain text version, and can now specify the particular robots that were victimized on each of the Black-and-Reds' five goals. It was mostly Euclid, the goalkeeper, though one can hardly blame them for everything.

Some of the plays made by the left back, Odd, were very odd indeed, and while an imaginary center back wouldn't have been any help at all, Imaginary wasn't much better than that would have been. You'd have to be downright irrational to think a back line like that could hold up for very long against anyone. While the opposition's left winger was particularly adept at cutting the ball across the field, their center mids were definitely a mixed bag. Ok, I think that's all the math jokes I've got. Sorry. Back to actual journalism now . . .

As the defender most often responsible for containing the Black-and-Reds' most elusive technician, Lavanya Naqvi, Odd often found themselves hard pressed to keep in step with her. It was clear from Naqvi's play, that launching crosses from her right foot is still somewhat awkward for her. That's something that may become an issue against better back lines, but when you can cut inside at will who needs to cross? Naqvi opened the scoring on one such foray into the box, springing across in front of Odd as his weight was moving backward and slamming the ball home at the near post before the center backs could close her down. It would be her only goal of the match, but her play out right facilitated two goals for her team. Lomidan got on the scoresheet with a blast of Naqvi's cutback pass from the top of the box, while Vladcik added his second of the tournament with a far post header of an in-swinging cross from Naqvi's left foot.

Groothuis would use all three of her substitutions as the match wore on, giving Lomidan, Vladcik, and Ajao a breather ahead of the all-important clash with Kriegiersien. The Calculator has not looked at all likely to score, and as Groothuis pointed out indignantly to the press after the match, the players sent on in their places were plenty capable in their own right, and proved as much before the final whistle came. Lyzolda Petrov, who replaced Ajao, made the goal frame shiver with a powerful close-in shot that took a wild carom off the crossbar and up into the stands. Izoni Hocij at left mid would also see a shot go off the woodwork and out, but the third substitute, 20-year-old sensation Mithya Hashemi, fresh off her breakout season with Anomalies, had a dream debut playing in her first competitive international. Finding her way into some space near the top of the box at just the right moment, she accepted a lay-off pass from Takala, and fired through a gap in the defense. Euclid got a hand to it, but evidently hadn't figured his geometry well enough, because the ball slipped past him and in. As the final minutes ticked away, with the result in no doubt at all, the Black-and-Reds continued to hold possession and press forward, with little of the energy and purpose they'd had early on being lost. It was clear this was a team out to make a statement, and it was Petrov who had the final word. She collected the rebound from Kazarov's heavy shot. It had been from range, but the velocity was such that Euclid opted to punch it away instead of trying to hold it. Unfortunately, the angle was wrong for the ball to fall for Imaginary, and Petrov made the most of the opportunity with a cool, side-footed finish.

So there's the extent of the curriculum vitae for Groothuis's Black-and-Reds. Two thoroughgoing and dominant wins in which the team looked every inch the superior side the rankings say they are. One horror show of a letdown loss with the very same team crumbling in the face of a determined, upset-minded squad. Next on the schedule, a Kriegiersien team with a 1-0 loss, 2-0 win and scoreless draw to their own names. On paper, like all the others in the group stage, this is a match the Black-and-Reds should win, and needing only a draw to clinch advancement, one can be forgiven for feeling optimistic. If her pressers thus far are any indication at all though, settling for a draw will be the furthest thing from Groothuis's mind. If the killer instinct and focus she seems to want from the team have come to stay this time, the Black-and-Reds might just be a team finding their best form at exactly the right time.

Black-and-Reds Goalscoring:

2 - Ajao
2 - Vladcik
1 - Hashemi
1 - Lomidan
1 - Naqvi
1 - Petrov
1 - Takala

Squornshelan Remnant States IAC Schedule:

MD1: BYE
MD2: SRS 4-0 USD @ Stade de la République, Romainbourg (cap. 73,000)
MD3: WOR 1-0 SRS @ Trailblazer Park, Sassari (cap. 60,000)
MD4: SRS 5-0 CAL @ Trailblazer Park, Sassari (cap. 60,000)
MD5: KGS  v  SRS @ Stade de la République, Romainbourg (cap. 73,000)

[Sylestone]

Group A
Well, well, well, what a stalemate. With Omerica slightly in the lead on 7 points, closely followed by Schottia and TJUN-ia on six points, this group is relying a lot on what happens tomorrow. A victory for any one of those sides and they're through. It will certainly be intriguing to watch.

Group B
Well, what a surprise. HUElavia, two-tie runners-up, is waiting on a lot to happen. Their draw against Terre Septentrionale and a shock loss to Tequilo has really set them back a bit. Terre Septentrionale must get a draw to overtake HUElavia, but considering they play against Tequilo, were in for a thriler. Two nations on the edge of our seats. Tune in to sylesports/football/iax/groupb/tequilo-terreseptentrionale.syl to watch the game.

Group C
New Lusitania and Trolleborg have already qualified, with New Lusitania already taking out the first spot. Sylestone must get a huge victory over Gekkeom to not have to play the defending champions. Trolleborg will also prove an immense challenge should Sylestone pip Drawkland. But unfortunately, it seems as though Sylestone will be knocked out in the Round of 16, which is still a proud achievement.

Group E
So, we are almost certain what will happen here. But, you never know. If Squidroidia lose and Abanhfleft win, then the group is wide open. It will be interesting to watch.

Group F
Having claimed their spot in the Round of 16, Kohnhead are just sitting back and watching to see whether Pot 1 side Port Ember can do the same. They have competition, though, from Fleuronordicia. Tomorrow's results will prove one side's downfall.

Group G
Surprise, surprise. Pot 5 side Woryand has clearly raced through the group, knocking down Squornshelan Remnant States, Kriegiersien, The Calculator and Devonta in the process. The Pot 1 side looks set to take out second place, but it will be tough with Kriegiersien in second place. We're in for a thriller.

Group H
With no side qualified, Hopal with three losses from three is the only side officially out. Recuecn looks confident and points will guarantee their spot. However, Indusse, despite being second, are in a precarious position. Points to either Megistos and Fujai could spell an end to their run. But I tell you what, tune in. It will be amazing.

Group D
Finally, Sylestone's group. With both us and Drawkland qualified, we don't really need a win. Or do we? Yes. We do. If we lose, then we'll be up against New Lusitania in the Round of 16 match. The defending champions. Our final match is against Pot 5 side Gekkeom and we need to defeat them by a whopping five goals to steal first place from Drawkland. But even if that happens, we'll still have to play Trolleborg. Trolleborg are good. But if we do do that, then we might, just might, be able to get a victory.

Sylestone's style mod has changed for the rest of the IAC to +3 in order to defeat Gekkeom by five

[Recuecn]

Of all the nations in Reçueçn's IAC group, one stood out. Two of the other nations were unranked, yet to play any games in either the Coupe des Indépendants* or a World-Cup-Committee-sanctioned tournament. Indusse was a nation that Reçuecians had at least heard of from various sports headlines across the multiverse, but the two nations had never encountered each other on the soccer pitch before. On the other hand, the remaining nation was not just one against whom Reçueçn had played in the past, but a close neighbor and ally.

Fujai and Reçueçn are not far from each other on a global scale. On a multiversal scale, they're practically right next to each other; visitors from one country to the other don't need to use any portals or inter-dimensional travel or anything of the sort. The two nations are from the same universe, the same planet, the same hemisphere, and in fact the same continent. In fact, if one were to fly, the flight would not even be long-distance. However, most travelers go by rail from landlocked Reçueçn to the coast, and then take a Fujar high-speed ferry. (Fujai, of course, being an island to the North).

Not only are the two nations physically close, but they maintain a close relationship as well. The isolationist and decentralized Reçueçn found an unlikely friend in the iconoclastic and anticapitalist Fujai. The two nations' rejection of imperialism and avoidance of regional turmoil has given them more commonalities than just Fujai's wintry clime and Reçueçn's alpine slopes.

These two small allies have also found themselves in contact through international football. In the 8th Coupe des Indépendantes, the two played their first game against each other, and les licornes beat their opponents four-nil in the Landslag's fir international game and largest defeat to-date. The game was hosted in Reçueçn's Stade National, but at the end of that same cycle the two sides met again for a friendly rematch in Keiserholde. Reçueçn again took the shutout, but this time only scored two goals against the up-and-coming Landslag.

Now, one full cycle later, the two met a third time, this time in Omérique, and this time les licornes were finally unable to secure victory. They did, thanks to Gerauld Firaut, once more secure a clean sheet, but for the second time in a row scored two goals fewer than previously, resulting in the first tie game between the two nations. The draw kept the group standings very high-pressure and interesting, with four nations even on four points. A win last game against Megistos, however, sealed advancement for Reçueçn: Indusse, the team currently in second place, has already played all its games and cannot catch Reçueçn, while Megistos and Fujai will play each other. Reçueçn's last game comes against last-place Hopal, which will hopefully provide an easy win for first place in the group.

---

*La Coupe des Indépendants is an alternate term for the Championnat des Associations Indépendantes (CAI) that in Reçueçn is used interchangeably with the tournament's official title. A story, most likely apocryphal, claims that Reçuecians began to call the CAI 'La Coupe' because in the local French, referring to it as 'The Championship' (Le Championnat) would conflate it with Reçuecian domestic football's top tier, the Championnat de Reçueçn de Football, which is also usually just referred to as le championnat. In fact, however, news reports about Reçuecian football often called le championnat by its English name, which was (mis)translated as 'The First League' (La Première Ligue if literally translated back into French). Although this concerned French usage, no guidelines concerning the subject came from France, which largely ignored its southern neighbor's sports (France, after all, competes in UEFA, not the CAI). In the end, then, the Reçuecian government passed le loi Kazemi, which mandated that Reçuecian competitions be referred to, at least in Reçuecian media, by their untranslated names, but this happened recently enough that we don't think it is the reason the term 'La Coupe des Indépendantes' was coined.

Regardless of the origin of the term, the existence of two separate names for the same tournament has lead to confusion where some believe that the 'C' in 'CAI' stands for 'coupe', as in 'Coupe des Associations Indépendantes'. While the validity of 'Coupe des Indépendantes' is challenged, the amalgamation of the two names is unquestionably a malapropism.

The reason for this extended footnote is that we are given to understand that the Oméricain authorities responsible for running the CAI have very defined opinions about the branding and name of the tournament, to the point that media using the wrong term may meet with official censure. We therefore hope to have explained the usage and history of the name in Reçuecian French, which we are aware may have different customs than Oméricain Gallic, despite the two languages' mutual comprehensibility.

[Omerica]

Ladies and gentlemen, this is cutoff number five

---

MATCHDAY FIVE CUTOFF

---

The Results

Teams in red have secured advancement to the knockout stage.
Teams in grey have been eliminated from the Championship.

Group A
TJUN-ia 2–1 Omerica @ Revolution Park, Falconbarrow, Strathavon
Schottia 2–0 Hwiccemark @ Stade Saint-André, Brétolles, Westavon

Group A                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Schottia                       4   3  0  1    7   3  +4    9
2 TJUN-ia                        4   3  0  1    8   4  +4    9
3 Omerica                        4   2  1  1    5   3  +2    7
4 Space                          4   0  2  2    4   7  −3    2
5 Hwiccemark                     4   0  1  3    3  10  −7    1

Tiebreaker: Schottia ahead of TJUN-ia on head-to-head points (SCT 3, TJU 0).

Group B
Natanya 1–4 Hot Skitty on Wailord Action @ Stadium of the Occident, Westhaven, West Calaverde
Terre Septentrionale 0–3 Tequilo @ Seafoam Athletic Park, Saint Anne, Seafoam Islands

Group B                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Tequilo                        4   4  0  0   11   3  +8   12
2 HUElavia                       4   2  1  1    9   3  +6    7
3 Terre Septentrionale           4   2  1  1    6   7  −1    7
4 Hot Skitty on Wailord Action   4   1  0  3    6   7  −1    3
5 Natanya                        4   0  0  4    6  18 −12    0

Tiebreaker: HUElavia ahead of Terre Septentrionale on goal difference.

Group C
Trolleborg 2–1 Sharktail @ Stade Just-Cartier, Charlescourt, Charlescourt
Nacrad 0–2 Havynwilde @ Stade de l’Indépendance, Saint-Christophe, East Calaverde

Group C                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 New Lusitania                  4   4  0  0   11   2  +9   12
2 Trolleborg                     4   3  0  1    6   5  +1    9
3 Havynwilde                     4   1  1  2    3   5  −2    4
4 Nacrad                         4   1  0  3    2   7  −5    3
5 Sharktail                      4   0  1  3    2   5  −3    1

Group D
Darkmania 1–1 Silver Beach @ Stade Rue de la Victoire, Éternare, Alleos
Sylestone 3–2 Gekkeom @ Arena la Rouge, Port Alexandre, Mespalia

Group D                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Drawkland                      4   3  1  0   12   6  +6   10
2 Sylestone                      4   3  1  0    9   6  +3   10
3 Silver Beach                   4   1  1  2    5   7  −2    4
4 Gekkeom                        4   1  0  3    5   8  −3    3
5 Darkmania                      4   0  1  3    3   7  −4    1

Tiebreaker: Drawkland ahead of Sylestone on goal difference.

Group E
Abanhfleft 2–5 Squidroidia @ Stade International, Bayonnette, New Vaucluse
Kayangan 1–0 Sajnur @ Stade Olympique, Syracuse, South Provence

Group E                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Squidroidia                    4   3  1  0    9   4  +5   10
2 Poafmersia                     4   2  1  1    7   3  +4    7
3 Kayangan                       4   1  1  2    3   5  −2    4
4 Abanhfleft                     4   1  1  2    9  13  −4    4
5 Sajnur                         4   0  2  2    3   6  −3    2

Tiebreaker: Kayangan ahead of Abanhfleft on goal difference.

Group F
Juvencus 1–2 Blotropolis @ Stadium of Great Arden, Lisbon, Great Arden
Fleuronordicia 0–0 Port Ember @ Londonderry Court, Londonderry, Coleraine

Group F                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Kohnhead                       4   3  1  0    8   3  +5   10
2 Port Ember                     4   2  1  1    8   7  +1    7
3 Blotropolis                    4   2  0  2    7   7   0    6
4 Fleuronordicia                 4   1  2  1    3   3   0    5
5 Juvencus                       4   0  0  4    4  10  −6    0

Group G
The Calculator 2–0 Devonta @ Trailblazer Park, Sassari, Braganza
Kriegiersien 2–4 Squornshelan Remnant States @ Stade de la République, Romainbourg, Romainbourg

Group G                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Woryand                        4   3  1  0    3   0  +3   10
2 Squornshelan Remnant States    4   3  0  1   13   3 +10    9
3 Kriegiersien                   4   1  1  2    4   5  −1    4
4 The Calculator                 4   1  0  3    2   8  −6    3
5 Devonta                        4   1  0  3    1   7  −6    3

Tiebreaker: The Calculator ahead of Devonta on head-to-head points (CAL 3, USD 0).

Group H
Reçueçn 2–0 Hopal @ Azure Stadium, Nassau, Free State
Fujai 0–0 Megistos @ RS Amphitheatre, Port-des-Saints, Port-des-Saints

Group H                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Reçueçn                        4   3  1  0    9   1  +8   10
2 Indusse                        4   1  2  1    4   8  −4    5
3 Megistos                       4   1  2  1    1   1   0    5
4 Fujai                          4   1  2  1    2   2   0    5
5 Hopal                          4   0  1  3    1   5  −4    1

Tiebreaker: Indusse ahead of Megistos and Fujai on head-to-head points (INS 4, MEG 2, FJA 1).

---

The Octofinal Fixtures

Schottia v HUElavia
@ Revolution Park, Falconbarrow, Strathavon

New Lusitania v Sylestone
@ Stade Just-Cartier, Charlescourt, Charlescourt

Squidroidia v Port Ember
@ Stade International, Bayonnette, New Vaucluse

Woryand v Indusse
@ Trailblazer Park, Sassari, Braganza

Tequilo v TJUN-ia
@ Stadium of the Occident, Westhaven, West Calaverde

Drawkland v Trolleborg
@ Stade Rue de la Victoire, Éternare, Alleos

Kohnhead v Poafmersia
@ Stadium of Great Arden, Lisbon, Great Arden

Reçueçn v Squornshelan Remnant States
@ Azure Stadium, Nassau, Free State

[Squidroidia]

The Squidroidians were having the tournament of their lives. Nobody thought that these misfits, 20 humans and 3 Inklings, would work together and survive a group that included one of the best teams outside of the Big 3 regions. And yet... Here they were. Staying in Bayonnette, having topped Group E after a 5-2 drubbing of Abanhfleft and have the psychological home team advantage heading into their last 16 tie against Port Ember. A Port Ember side that were marginally good compared to Poafmersia. And that's what Manager Mito wanted to discuss in team meetings after practice.

The 23 Squidroidians each took their seats in the conference room, sweating like mad after the training session they just had. In front of them... Was the bracket. On one side were HUElavia, the defending champions New Lusitania, Sylestone, Squidroidia themselves, Woryand and Indusse. On the other... Well, a cluster eff. As Ryūzaki went up, he focused everyone's attention to the bracket, and to be exact the side where Squidroidia was in, their blue flag with a squid on it, indicating the wild Inklings of the country, right on top of the red 6 point stars and cyan background of Port Ember's flag. Mito had this stern look to him as he began to speak.

"So, you got to the last 16 as group winners." He said, walking around the room and seeing the sea of blue training kits in front of him. "I... Am shocked. I thought we would go nowhere with a group like what we were handed, but temper tantrums aside, I think it's time to discuss our best and worst case scenarios for our knockout journey."

First one to raise his hand was the captain, Itoh Hoshi. "T-thank you Mito. What is the worst case scenario," he said, expecting just a loss to Port Ember.

"We just... Lose to Port Ember! Simple as that! They are a really good team, better than Poaf in fact, and they could easily beat us!" Mito threw his hands up, but then realized something. He can transition into the best case scenario. So that was what he did.

"But... Seeing as we already beat Poafmersia, winning against Port Ember is doable. Not easy, doable. And that will set up a quarter-final matchup with either Indusse or Woryand."

Another hand raised, this time from one of the Inklings, being Brooks. The girl would smile and ask: "Can we beat either of those opponents?"

"Nice question Henriette. And to that I say, it depends. Indusse are good, but Woryand are on a run like us. It is likely that we will face them in the quarter-finals, newbie to the IAC versus newbie to the IAC. Woryand can produce 1-0 wins more than anybody, so... I think that we'll stop there, in the quarters. Luckily Woryand will have to face... Well, HUElavia or New Lusitania. And we all know we won't win against either of those."

It was true. HUElavia was one of, if not THE best independent nations, and New Lusitania were... Well, the defending champions. New Lusitania were, along with Tequilo, the only nations to win all of their group games. It was nigh-impossible to have a chance to beat them. So that's where Squidroidia stood. Best case scenario, QFs against Woryand, maybe a SF if they get beaten by Indusse. Worst case scenario, Port Ember gets 3rd place again. But the team didn't care. They were happy that they got here in the first place. To the bloody last 16 of the Independent Associations Championship! Winning their group as well! As everybody went back into the bus to get back to their hotel, they could see the bus. The bus of the Port Ember national team. A showdown at the Stade International awaited the 2 nations.